Town honours para hockey athlete, calls for Hall of Fame improvements

It’s not as easy as it should be for Alan Dickson to see his own medal in the Hockey Hall of Fame (HHOF).

While celebrating one of their own being a part of the HHOF during the May 25 council meeting, Fort Erie also made a request to the institution to do better by those with mobility issues.

Dickson won the 2025 most dedicated player honour through the Esso Medals. That medal is on display at the Hall of Fame in Toronto.

“He’s a physically demanding player and he’s one of these individuals who does not quit,” said Mayor Wayne Redekop as they honoured the para (sledge) hockey athlete.

Sparkles, as many of his friends and teammates call him, has been playing para hockey since he was a teenager. He currently plays for the Niagara Thunderblades. Redekop described him as someone with an unwavering commitment to succeed, who’s always willing to put in extra hours of work, and who constantly puts the team first.

The Esso Medal is far from a participation trophy, Redekop said.

“This is something you have to earn, and he’s been an essential part of the Thunderblades hockey team,” he said.

However, upon receiving the award and having it placed in the HHOF, it also became clear that the building could use some upgrades for accessibility. While most of the building is accessible, the exhibit that houses Dickson’s medal is not, requiring visitors to climb a few steps to get to.

“You have to get up three steps if you want your picture taken in front of your medal,” said Councillor Joan Christensen, who put forward a motion to request the HHOF address the accessibility concern.

Her motion was approved at the same meeting.

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